CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - As Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson today names an interim Chicago Police Superintendent, outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot is talking about the department’s upcoming challenges this summer.
Current Interim Police Superintendent Eric Carter’s retirement is effective as Brandon Johnson is sworn into his new office. And, the new interim superintendent will take over as the summer approaches.
Mayor Lightfoot acknowledges to WBBM that summer often means increased violence.
“We are going into a critical time period. I have been urging the senior leadership with the police department every single week not to take their foot off the gas, making sure that they hold people accountable, that we continue to see the gains that started to come and eventually did come over the course of last year and have continued into this year, Lightfoot said. “But, instability at the top of the police department is not a good thing, not only for the department and in leadership, but it’s not a good thing for our city.”
She said the new mayor will have to overcome it and deal with any summer surges of violence, and that will require a partnership with CPD.
“He now will own responsibility for the day-to-day public safety of residents in this city, and he’s got to work together with the police department, absolutely (he) has to hold them accountable. But, he cannot afford to lose the department, and the worker and the officers over the course of this summer,” Lightfoot said.
Meanwhile, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is in the process of seeking and screening candidates for permanent Police Superintendent.
Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
